Sea Lion: Car Boat Hybrid Cruises On Land And Sea

Finally you can channel your inner-Aquaman, with your own multipurpose vehicle to cruise land and sea. The new amphibiously minded Sea Lion from the California-based Fantasy Junction and inventor Mark Witt is capable of speeds of up to 45 miles per hour at sea and 180 miles per hour on land. The price of this car-boat hybrid comes in at a cool $259,500.

A true entrepreneurial venture, the Sea Lion has been developed over the past six years by Mark Witt Applied Design -- a one-man operation housed in San Francisco. The original intention of the product was an attempt to set records for speed on land and in water. Considering there is no governing body to objectively evaluate the “fastest amphibious car claim”, the Sea Lion will continue competing in unofficial style with other homegrown inventors of similarly diverse cars. Fantasy Junction says that there are currently 25 contenders in the world with similar creations, featuring some differences in design and capabilities.

“For the most part, a GPS display with a YouTube recording is internationally accepted as ‘valid’ for speed documentation,” Witt adds in the Fantasy Junction listing for the Sea Lion. “There has been talk of creating a corporate event, similar to Burning Man or Kinetic Sculpture Race, which records and awards the competitors with specific acknowledgements. This, however, may be more of a detriment than assistance. The addition of Rules and Requirements always diminish scientific achievement and exploration. And it just plain ruins all the fun!”

The Sea Lion was designed using CAD software and “spreadsheet calculations”. The vehicle is primarily constructed using welded aluminum made with CNC plasma burned shapes and other CNC milled components. The Sea Lion fits one and features removable side pods used for floatation and cargo, along with removable fenders front and rear. The Sea Lion features no structural parts borrowed from other vehicles, with a few small exceptions.

“Building Sea Lion has been an enjoyable exploration,” Witt said. “The next chapter of this project is to provide an ultimate engine and begin speed trials. It is best to bring a specialist builder on board for the rest of this endeavor and bring the car up to its full potential. I will remain available as a consultant, engineer, machinist and psychiatrist for whoever decides to venture further into the amphibious record books.”

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Comments

[ihsxps]

12:20 PM on 05/22/2012

For my money, the Swimmwagen was the best amphibious vehicle ever--a tough, light, four wheel drive that takes up the same footprint as a VW Bug and seats four men. It was no toy. It was something you could actually use.

After that, the Dutton Mariner.

[Ipanema]

09:28 AM on 05/22/2012

Would this work to get from Montauk to Block Island?

[Frostfly]

03:32 AM on 05/22/2012

It's ugly, far too expensive and only seats one? Also. Rinspeed has a Hydrofoil car that would prolly destroy this things "speed" record on water and it seats two.

[NoireLion]

08:53 AM on 05/22/2012

Ugly? it works as advertised- its fast and works- I think its wonderful!
Great job!
Dont pay the haters any mind. This is a remarkable accomplishment drop the price to 20k and I'm there. LOL

[Gronkie]

10:23 PM on 05/21/2012

No, No, NO! We want flying cars! FLYING CARS!

[June25]

10:58 AM on 05/22/2012

Everybody says that untill their wife is flying along and has mechanical problems.

[Dave008]

07:59 PM on 05/21/2012

this may be the butt-ugliest car i've ever had the misfortune to see!

[maverick9808]

06:32 PM on 05/21/2012

well it should certainly make it cheaper to commute between san fran and berkley

[Roadrun]

05:26 PM on 05/21/2012

Not original. In the mid 60s there was Amphicar and I don't remember the last time I saw one but it wasn't all that long ago.

[maverick9808]

06:33 PM on 05/21/2012

most of those rusted out :(

[rudy in la]

11:30 AM on 05/22/2012

I to remember these cars. I lived in Chicago near the Lake and often saw these cars just drive down the boat ramps straight into the water. While they were nowhere near as power, fast and sophisticated as this car, it didn't cost more than the average house either. I still rarely spot one on the street. I doubt anyone is brave enough to take them in the ocean though. I now live close to the Pacific in California. Fun to remember.

[dodgerblue824]

04:48 PM on 05/21/2012

Ahhh speed bumps... cars natural enemy!!!